10 Reasons You Should Introduce Your Children to (Rules-Lite) Tabletop Roleplaying Games
Today, there is a growing number of rules-lite roleplaying game options, many of which are explicitly aimed at introducing kids to the hobby. That means it has never been easier to introduce the children in your life to the limitless possibilities that these games open up for them.
Here are 10 reasons you should prioritize introducing your children to (rules-lite) roleplaying games:
They are easy to learn. Most rules-lite roleplaying games are designed so that the basic rules and mechanics can be picked up in about 5-10 minutes. This is especially important when playing with young children, because they want to play, not sit around while you explain how to play for 30+ minutes. Rules-lite games like Tricube Tales or Tiny Dungeon offer simple mechanics that allow kids to jump into the action almost immediately.
They enhance creativity. From conceptualizing a character to envisioning adventure scenarios, playing roleplaying games strengthen the muscles of imagination in uniquely powerful ways.
They enhance social skills. Gaming clubs are on the rise in many schools, and that’s because educators who use roleplaying games claim that their students acquire and practice a broad range of social and emotional skills. Which makes sense, because these games offer an opportunity to inhabit a different character’s worldview and skillset. A child who struggles with assertiveness may find it much easier to “practice” this skill by playing a strong, confident Elven mage.
They encourage problem solving and teamwork. Most roleplaying games have the players overcoming challenges as they seek to fulfill a common goal. But deciding how to best approach and overcome each challenge is something the players decide on together. It is so rewarding and fun to watch as your kids work together to devise wildly creative solutions to the obstacles they face. (“Daddy, maybe we don’t need to fight the troll. Maybe it’s angry and needs a friend. Let’s offer it a flower with a drawing of two trolls holding hands.”)
They promote literacy and math. Roleplaying games involve reading, writing, and some basic math. The more comfortable your child becomes with these skills early in life, the better. Having those skills reinforced in the context of a fun adventure is icing on the cake.
They deepen social connection. Roleplaying games are a unique form of collaborative storytelling. That means the entire group is working together to create an awesome story. That’s a big feature: working together. Roleplaying games aren’t competitive. You can’t “win” or “lose” the game (or destroy the very relational fabric of your family as can happen in a game of Monopoly). Everyone should walk away from a game session feeling accomplished and excited from helping an exciting story take shape. Over time I believe you’ll find that your gaming sessions will create memories that will last a lifetime, and deepen the bonds with your kids and between your kids.
They teach virtues. Roleplaying games challenge players to imaginatively inhabit another’s reality. As children play characters who embody courage, empathy, generosity, heroism, resiliency, etc., they are participating in a form of character formation. They are literally practicing being the kind of person they would like to grow into one day!
They offer constructive escapism. Like adults, kids need a break from the mundane responsibilities and routines of everyday life. But too often those breaks are screen breaks. Often that means isolated, consumptive escapism. Roleplaying games offer a healthier, more constructive way to inject the fantastical into your day without defaulting to streaming services or video games.
They improve mental health. Role-playing games offer significant mental health benefits because they provide face-to-face interaction with others and facilitate social connection and collaboration. The themes that children are guided into as they play these games—competency, confidence, community, heroism, and overcoming challenges—are ones that promote positive mental health and a genuine sense of accomplishment.
They are a low-cost hobby. While it is possible to spend exorbitant amounts of money on roleplaying books, miniatures, and accessories, you can get away with very little when it comes to roleplaying games. Rules-lite games, especially, are very inexpensive (some are free!). The games specifically designed for children (see Hero Kids and No Thank You, Evil!) are less than $20 and provide everything you need for limitless hours of play. TTRPGs generally, and rules-lite games specifically, really do offer enormous bang for your buck.
I’m not long-in-the-tooth when it comes to guiding my own kids into this hobby, but I can attest to seeing these benefits in my own children. Helping your children discover the joys of (rules-lite) roleplaying games is an investment worth making.
But where to begin?
In my next post I’ll share my top 3 favourite rules-lite roleplaying games.